Future Champions in the Making: RLC Residences Backs Youth Triathlon Dreams

 In a world filled with screens and fast-paced routines, helping kids develop a love for movement,

discipline, and determination has never been more important. With hearts set on empowering

Filipino families, RLC Residences proudly introduces Raising Little Champions—a meaningful

initiative that highlights how sports can positively shape young lives, instilling values and habits

that go far beyond the race course.

At the core of this program is the RLC Residences Junior Triathlon Team, a dynamic group of

young athletes taking part in the IRONKIDS Philippines races. These aren’t just events marked

by swimming, biking, and running—they're moments that nurture courage, grit, and confidence

among kids, while also strengthening the family bond with their parents. With a newly forged

three-year partnership with IRONKIDS Philippines (2025–2027), RLC Residences takes its

support even further, ensuring more families and children can thrive both in sports and in life.

Rising Stars on the Starting Line

Each young triathlete brings a story of transformation, where small steps spark big changes,

and newfound passions replace hesitation, distraction, and doubt. Siblings Amir Kian, 9 yearsPRESS RELEASE

old, and Cyrus Finn Buensuceso, 6 years old, discovered triathlon as a powerful way to shift

their focus from gadgets to something more meaningful.

“I (initially) encouraged them to get into triathlon so they could spend time swimming, running,

and biking instead of being glued to gadgets,

” shares mom Fatima Buensuceso.

"Now, they

understand the value of sports in their lives. It’s about building an optimistic attitude that boosts

their confidence and allows them to truly enjoy the experiences of being an athlete.

”

Being part of the team opened a whole new world for Amir and Cyrus—one filled with goals,

discipline, and self-discovery.

“They’ve learned and realized that each race brings new lessons

and experiences. That mindset helps them grow stronger and more determined every time they

compete,

” Buensuceso adds.

As for 7-year-old Haneul “Sky” Jung, the transformation has been deeply personal. Once

hesitant and unsure, Sky found her strength and confidence through structured training and a

nurturing community.

“From not knowing any sport to learning how to swim, bike, and run is a great achievement that

gave her confidence,

” her mom Donna Jung beams.

“RLC Residences gave Sky such a great

opportunity to be a part of something that she can remember for the rest of her life.

”

Amir has already set his sights on competing in IRONMAN once he completes IRONKIDS, while

Cyrus is honing his skills in swimming and running as he discovers his own path in sports. Sky,

on the other hand, has developed a strong passion for swimming and looks forward to joining

future swim meets.

A Journey of Growth and Determination

For Xavier Benedict Belleza, 8 years old, his triathlon journey began with curiosity and courage,

joining his first race without formal swim training. With the guidance of the team and support of

his family, Xavi has grown into a focused, goal-oriented junior athlete.

“Seeing him at the finish line, beaming with pride, was an unforgettable moment. After that, he

was the one who asked for proper training, determined to improve and keep racing. That

passion and drive made us fully committed to guide and support him in this journey,

” shares his

mother Gretchen Belleza.

Brothers Lucas Alejandro, 14, and Logan Alec Abiogen, 10, followed a similar path, discovering

a love for triathlon after excelling in swimming. Their journey is rooted in resilience, teamwork,

and a constant drive to improve.

“The idea of triathlon seemed like a perfect fit for Luk and Alec’s skills and interests in

swimming. This inspired us (their parents) to register them in triathlon races, starting with the

Aquathlon category, and we’ve continued to support them ever since,

” says their mom, Christle

Abiogen.

Meanwhile, 7-year-old Johan Benedict Santos found inspiration in his father’s passion for

triathlon. Encouraged by both parents, Johan embraced the sport with enthusiasm, finding

confidence, community, and purpose through the RLC Residences Junior Triathlon Team.PRESS RELEASE

“As a mother, I wanted to help my son discover his strengths and build confidence. My husband,

who also enjoys triathlons, has greatly inspired our son to participate. It's wonderful to see their

connection - they motivate each other, train together, and celebrate their accomplishments,

which strengthens our bond as a family,

” says his mom, Christy Santos.

Looking ahead, these young athletes continue to set their sights on new goals. Johan is

currently preparing for upcoming swimming tournaments, with IRONKIDS international races

also on the horizon. Lucas and Alec are working hard with the hopes of joining the national

team. As for Xavi, he is now training alongside the elite Philippine team to develop both his skills

and mindset further.

The Power of Parental Support

Behind every young athlete’s success is a family that nurtures and encourages their journey.

Parents play a crucial role in balancing training, school, and family life, ensuring their children

enjoy the sport while also excelling in other aspects of life. For the Abiogen family, training is a

shared experience.

“Training with our children allows us to combine family and athletic development. Despite their

dad’s busy work schedule, he ensures to join our kids for running and biking,

” Abiogen shares.

Jung, on the other hand, follows a structured schedule to help Sky balance training, academics,

and social life.

"We allot three days a week for sports training. After school and homework, she

spends time playing with friends. Weekends are dedicated to family time,

" she explains.

For Buensuceso, open communication is the biggest factor that keeps everything balanced.

“We

spend family time through fun runs, watching movies, and eating out. During this time, I make

sure to listen to them and explain important things that they need to understand.

”

She also reminds her kids to enjoy the process.

“Challenges are constant, but I always tell them

to enjoy every race, finish it safely, and do their best. As long as they believe that they can do it,

I will always be there to support them.

”

For Belleza, supporting her son Xavi means helping him manage his own expectations.

“One of Xavi’s biggest challenges is his strong desire to succeed, which sometimes leads to

frustration when things don’t go as planned. We remind him that improvement is a process—it’s

not about winning but about being better than yesterday.

”

She adds that consistent emotional support is what keeps her son going, especially during

tough days.

“Our focus isn’t just on medals but on the learnings, experiences, and the journey

itself. Knowing that he has our unconditional support helps him stay motivated, even during

challenging training sessions or tough competitions.

”

Creating a Community for Champions

Raising Little Champions goes beyond sports—it's about creating a nurturing space where kids

thrive in life. With RLC Residences and IRONKIDS Philippines, young athletes gain support,

inspiration, and opportunities to dream bigger, move stronger, and grow together.PRESS RELEASE

“We couldn’t afford to support our kids’ triathlon journey on our own, but thanks to RLC

Residences, they’ve been able to pursue their passion. Their commitment allows our kids to

grow and develop as athletes, compete in races, and be inspired to push through tough

sessions with the help of their teammates,

” says Abiogen.

Jung echoes this sentiment, emphasizing how RLC Residences provides young athletes with

essential resources such as proper training and a larger platform to grow.

"RLC Residences

provides a great opportunity to participate in organized sports, which could help aspiring

athletes have a bright future in sports,

" she says.

More than just an athletic endeavor, this initiative reflects RLC Residences’ commitment to

empowering families and helping young champions reach their full potential. As Santos, one of

the first parents in the program, shares: “We’ve seen firsthand how RLC Residences brought

our neighborhood together. Our kids went from casual playmates to triathlon

teammates—pushing each other to be better while still having fun. As parents, we love how this

shapes a stronger, healthier, and more connected community.

”

Encouraging the Next Generation

For parents considering introducing their children to sports, the message is clear: let them

explore, have fun, and discover their passion. As Belleza puts it,

“Let them try different activities

and find what they truly enjoy. Support them unconditionally, celebrate their efforts, and teach

them that winning isn’t everything—growth, learning, and passion matter more.

”

Sharing the same belief, Santos advises,

"Prioritize your child's interests and passions when

considering sports. It's important to ensure that they genuinely enjoy the activity and feel

motivated to participate. Supporting them through the ups and downs will help them build

confidence and resilience, which are valuable both in sports and in life.

"

With Raising Little Champions, RLC Residences continues to pave the way for a future where

children can dream big, families can grow together, and communities can thrive—one race at a

time.

Stay connected with RLC Residences for updates, upcoming events, and more ways to get

involved in empowering young athletes. Visit their website and follow their Facebook and

connected with RLC Residences for updates, upcoming events, and more ways to get

involved in empowering young athletes. Visit their website and follow their Facebook and

Instagram pages for more info.